FRANÇOIS VANSCHÖN…
OR THE ART OF BEAUTY!

If, for the fun of it, we were to liberally interpret the expression “Van Schön” based on its Germanic roots, we might speak of “Beauty” – a fitting description for fashion designer François VanSchön’s evocative label.

François has been passionate about fashion since his childhood. The spectacular and almost mystical universe that surrounds haute couture and the great runway shows of Europe have always fascinated him. François acquired the skills of his profession while completing his college-level degree (DEC) in Women’s Fashion at the Collège Marie-Victorin. Throughout his studies, many of François’s teachers, impressed by his enthusiasm, perfectionism and ability to manipulate fabrics, shared with him trade secrets and techniques that are particular to haute couture.

In the following years, François quickly rose through the ranks, successively becoming sampler, assistant pattern maker and assistant designer for renowned Québecois fashion designer Jean-Claude Poitras. Building on this expertise, François started his own business in the early 90’s, creating his first line of women’s clothing. To help with the launch of his business, he was awarded a grant for young entrepreneurs from the Mayor of Montréal. On two separate occasions, François was among the finalists of the Dubonnet Design contest.

In 1994, François was offered an internship in Belgium, through a joint initiative of the École de La Cambre in Brussels and the Agence Québec/Wallonie Bruxelles pour la jeunesse. This gave François the opportunity to discover European fashion design methods by studying with various Belgian fashion designers. Inspired by this experience, he returned to Brussels for another internship, this time to help a stylist-friend produce her final collection as a graduating student at the École nationale des arts visuels de La Cambre. During this second internship, François met choreographer Joanne Leighton, who soon asked him to create the costumes for her solo show, “FROCK”. He then joined Belgian choreographer Michèle Anne De Mey’s production team, as a costume assistant and an assistant-director, and then as the head costumer, for De Mey’s tour.

When he returned to Québec in 1996, François further explored several fields related to fashion. With enthusiasm and drive, he applied his skillset and talents to a diverse range of areas. Most notably, he worked as a hair stylist, make-up artist and fashion stylist for various photographers and magazines, as well as for television and movie projects.

Over the last few years, François has rediscovered his first love, fashion design, which has lead him to create his own line of women’s semi-couture apparel for an ever-growing clientele. In 2013, François added to his many accomplishments the launch of a new collection of women’s wear. Thus was born the VanSchön label, a fashion line that is clean and sensual, functional and distinguished.

Photo: Yves Martin Allard

FRANÇOIS VANSCHÖN…
OR THE ART OF BEAUTY!

If, for the fun of it, we were to liberally interpret the expression “Van Schön” based on its Germanic roots, we might speak of “Beauty” – a fitting description for fashion designer François VanSchön’s evocative label.

François has been passionate about fashion since his childhood. The spectacular and almost mystical universe that surrounds haute couture and the great runway shows of Europe have always fascinated him. François acquired the skills of his profession while completing his college-level degree (DEC) in Women’s Fashion at the Collège Marie-Victorin. Throughout his studies, many of François’s teachers, impressed by his enthusiasm, perfectionism and ability to manipulate fabrics, shared with him trade secrets and techniques that are particular to haute couture.

In the following years, François quickly rose through the ranks, successively becoming sampler, assistant pattern maker and assistant designer for renowned Québecois fashion designer Jean-Claude Poitras. Building on this expertise, François started his own business in the early 90’s, creating his first line of women’s clothing. To help with the launch of his business, he was awarded a grant for young entrepreneurs from the Mayor of Montréal. On two separate occasions, François was among the finalists of the Dubonnet Design contest.

In 1994, François was offered an internship in Belgium, through a joint initiative of the École de La Cambre in Brussels and the Agence Québec/Wallonie Bruxelles pour la jeunesse. This gave François the opportunity to discover European fashion design methods by studying with various Belgian fashion designers. Inspired by this experience, he returned to Brussels for another internship, this time to help a stylist-friend produce her final collection as a graduating student at the École nationale des arts visuels de La Cambre. During this second internship, François met choreographer Joanne Leighton, who soon asked him to create the costumes for her solo show, “FROCK”. He then joined Belgian choreographer Michèle Anne De Mey’s production team, as a costume assistant and an assistant-director, and then as the head costumer, for De Mey’s tour.

When he returned to Québec in 1996, François further explored several fields related to fashion. With enthusiasm and drive, he applied his skillset and talents to a diverse range of areas. Most notably, he worked as a hair stylist, make-up artist and fashion stylist for various photographers and magazines, as well as for television and movie projects.

Over the last few years, François has rediscovered his first love, fashion design, which has lead him to create his own line of women’s semi-couture apparel for an ever-growing clientele. In 2013, François added to his many accomplishments the launch of a new collection of women’s wear. Thus was born the VanSchön label, a fashion line that is clean and sensual, functional and distinguished.